P&O Ferries Set to Show Off Entrance in Renewable Energy Segment

P&O Ferries is set to highlight its anticipated future in the renewable energy sector at an industry event set to kick off in the UK on Thursday.

As reported in March, P&O Ferries unveiled its intentions to enter the renewable energy market by supplying one of its freight ships to act as an accommodation vessel for technicians working at an offshore wind farm in the North Sea.

The three to four-month charter will see the transformation of the 23,000 tonne European Seaway, a freighter ferry generally reserved for high frequency transits of the English Channel, into an accomodation vessel with cabins for up 100 offshore wind technicians and 50 crew.

“As part of our strategy to grow new business we have been considering where we can leverage our existing skills in areas adjacent to our current business,” said Helen Deeble, the chief executive of P&O Ferries, earlier about the move. “Our initial focus has been upon our maritime skills and has led us to the renewables sector.””

“The investment we have made in the European Seaway makes her the ideal ship for all offshore support work of this type,” added Stephen Weaver, P&O Ferries’ business development manager. “As the renewable sector grows, we are perfectly placed to grow alongside it and we have every intention of securing further charter work for this ship and potentially other similar ships in our fleet.”

Under the upcoming deal, the European Seaway will be supplied to GLID, a joint venture between Centrica Renewable Energy Limited and EIG, on a three to four-month time charter for use by technicians working on the North Sea Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm array located about four miles off Skegness.